FAQ Section

Copper Conduit Shielding Properties

[Q] Can I run CAT 6 Cable in copper conduit to provide shielding from Electro Magnetic Interference?

[A] Many discussions are still taking place in the technical forums about this one, so we will keep it simple and cover what we know, and stay away from what is "theory".

Most CAT 5, CAT 5E and CAT 6 Cables are able to be ordered in some form of shielded variety. The shielding used inside the jacket is basically no more than thin foil that keeps (most) energy from passing through the cable and causing interference.

In the case of heavy copper conduit, the facts are simple. Copper is an excellent conductor, and therefore will conduct with great efficiency any energy that passes into or through it.

Unfortunately, this means that it most likely would not serve as a very good shield, as it will most certainly amplify and carry these energies right along the length of the conductor, creating a larger problem than if you just left it exposed.

In addition, there is a really good reason why the foil shielding inside the jacket of the cable is wrapped directly around the bundled pairs: It needs to be as close as possible to the wire to effectively repel the extra energies from which you are trying to protect it from.

It is always best to just use a shielded product where to installation calls for it. There are always substitutes, but why bother.